Indian machine builders are facing a dual challenge of being more innovative and flexible in creating customized machines. Each new machine is expected to be more flexible and efficient than the predecessor. When it comes to achieving these ambitious development goals on time and within the budget, software engineering plays an increasingly decisive
role. However, the lion’s share of this work is spent on programming basic functions such as programming the motion axes or managing recipe data. This is where mapp modular
application technology from B&R comes in. This revolutionary software concept makes development time faster by an average of 67%.
mapp technology in automation software
integrated into B&R’s automation
software landscape
The mapp technology consists of individually encapsulated blocks that stream line development of new machine application software. These blocks provide core functionality and retrieve the data it needs from other blocks using a client-server model. mapp eliminates the recurring programming tasks for programmers by providing preconfigured blocks that are easy to use and already extensively tested. Programmers can then concentrate on their main task, which is of implementing machine or system processes in the application software. The mapp blocks are seamlessly integrated into B&R’s automation software. This means that any developer who works with automation studio can implement mapp blocks to make their work easier and their application software clearer. The end results speak for themselves: increased machine availability, lower maintenance costs and much easier team collaboration. B&R has equipped users with around 100 special functions using mapp components.
Configure more, programme less
mapp components can be configured graphically in a convenient web interface. Programm- ing in the conventional sense is not necessary. mapp technology introduced by B&R is a revolutionary software concept for modular application development. It drastically reduces the efforts and time taken to build complex applications in CNC, robotics, packaging, printing and others. Programmers now need to configure more and programme less.
Building robot in record time
Due to mapp technology, a delta robot was built by Technoshell, an Indian original equipment manufacturer (OEM) from Nasik in a few months’ time. This prototype unit is equipped with COGNEX vision system integrated on high speed Ethernet bus, that is POWERLINK, allowing precise inspection and orientation of the object. The robot is also synchronized with the belt, making it suitable for numerous industry applications. Live demonstrations held attheAutomation2015 exhibition gave an opportunity to the visitors to learn about the ease and flexibility of mapp technology. Behind such an accomplishment is the extensive mapp technology portfolio, which includes components for the most commonly used robot kinematic systems. The new robotic functions in mapp include both serial and parallel robot kinematics, such as SCARA and delta robots.
Seamless integration
The user interface is based on familiar IEC 61131 programming methods. The robotic functions integrate seamlessly into the overall system, so there is no need for a dedicated robotics controller. It means OEM has the liberty to choose a controller from PLC, PC or a HMI with built-in controller. B&R offers an extensive range of products amongst these categories and compliments it with the hardware independent software programming, allowing users to interchange these platforms, as and when required.
Shyam Padwal is marketing manager at B&R Automation India. He can be contacted at shyam.padwal@brautomation.com
